| Name (Japanese) | Japanese Tiger Prawn (Kuruma-ebi / クルマエビ / 車海老) |
| Overall Rating |
Flavor: ★★★★★ Texture: ★★★★★ Popularity: ★★★★★ |
| Reference Price |
Value: ★★★☆☆ Price range: $35~$60/lb |
| Best Season | Winter to early spring |
| Did you know? | Its name comes from the “wheel” (kuruma) pattern on its shell. |
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| 1. Overview |
Kanji Name: 車海老 (Kuruma-ebi) English Name: Japanese Tiger Prawn Scientific Name: Marsupenaeus japonicus Classification: • Kingdom: Animalia • Phylum: Arthropoda • Class: Malacostraca • Order: Decapoda • Family: Penaeidae • Genus: Marsupenaeus • Species: M. japonicus Average Size: 15–25 cm Key Features: Distinctive striped shell resembling a spinning wheel pattern; firm, sweet, and succulent flesh |
| 2. Habitat & Distribution |
Found in warm coastal waters of Japan, Taiwan, and the Indo-Pacific. Prefers sandy or muddy bottoms in shallow bays and estuaries. Farmed extensively in Japan for high-end sushi and tempura. |
| 3. Seasonality |
Best season is winter to early spring. Peak sweetness during colder months when flesh is firmer. |
| 4. Sushi Ingredient Profile |
Common Uses: Nigiri (raw or boiled), tempura, grilled (yakiebi) Flavor: Naturally sweet with a clean ocean taste Texture: Firm, snappy bite with juicy tenderness Fat Content: Low; prized for freshness and sweetness |
| 5. Preparation & Craftsmanship |
Served raw (ama-ebi style) for sweetness or boiled for vibrant color and firmer bite. Shell is removed but tail is often kept for presentation. Requires careful handling to preserve freshness and texture. |
| 6. Recommended Pairings |
Sushi Rice: Lightly seasoned with white vinegar Condiments: Wasabi, a pinch of sea salt, yuzu zest Drinks: Dry sake, crisp pilsner beer |
| 7. Nutritional Information |
High in protein and low in fat. Rich in selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. |
| 8. Trivia & Cultural Notes |
The name “Kuruma” means “wheel,” referring to the ring-like shell pattern. Considered a luxury ingredient for celebratory dishes in Japan. Often presented live at high-end sushi restaurants for maximum freshness. |
| 9. Recommended Sushi Styles |
• Raw kuruma-ebi nigiri with wasabi • Boiled kuruma-ebi nigiri for a classic presentation • Grilled kuruma-ebi with a brush of soy glaze • Tempura kuruma-ebi for a crisp, sweet bite |
